Be still...and know that I am God

 

{photo credit goes to my sister Mary!}

 

  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.--John 14:27

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.--Isaiah 12:2

 

  On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 

“Peace be with you."--John 20:19

 

 

The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.--Numbers 6:25-26

Learning to Love....

{photo credit}

It's easy to judge. It's easy to point fingers and say, "How dare you?!?". I know this all too well. I know how easy it is to allow yourself to fall into that "holier than thou" way of thinking. I am a friendly person, but I have the tendency to be critical. I have been guilty of talking about people behind their backs....of being two-faced at times.

Now, some might say that this is just part of being human. But I refuse to allow my human nature be an excuse for my sin. And that's what it is, it's sin. As ugly as that may sound, it's true. 

God has really convicted me of this. He has shown me how it's wrong to tread down this path, even if the person may deserve it (in your mind, anyway!). He has shown me my need to repent and begin living like Jesus.

As a Christian, I am called to love people as Jesus did. That means not judging them. That means loving them where they are in their lives. That means not focusing on the ugly parts of their lives.

This DOES NOT mean condoning the sin. This does not mean approving of sin that might be in that individuals life, but it does mean accepting a person as they are. It means that you realize that like you, they are not perfect. It means overcoming that Pharisee outlook. It means ridding yourself of the "Thank God I'm not like them" attitude. Because, guess what, you and I are sinners too! We are redeemed sinners, but sinners none the less. 

Once again, love and acceptance does not mean ignoring the reality of sin. We cannot do that, because if we disregard sin, we disregard our need of a Savior, and goodness knows we CANNOT do that. 

What we can do is surrender ourselves to God and tell Him to use us to touch others. Truly loving people means that we are allowing Jesus to lead us to people, love them, and testify His love to them.

Give me Your eyes for just one second

Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the once forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see...

-Brandon Heath's "Give Me Your Eyes"

Always Remember...

This One's For the Girls...

Dear Girls,

I read "Lies Young Women Believe" several months ago, and it truly touched me. It blessed me in so many ways and made me realize that admist all the insecurities I'm facing, I'm not alone. I'm not the only girl feels lonely, or feels like there's something wrong with her cause she doesn't have a boyfriend. I'm not alone in thinking that I'm not good enough, that I need to try harder, perform better, and then people will love me more. I'm still dealing with a lot of issues, but it feels positiviely liberating to know there are other teen girls out there who are dealing with these exact same problems. I highliy reccomend this book to teenage girls. You will be blessed. Promise.

For more information on "Lies Young Women Believe", check out their blog by clicking  here. Also, please take a moment to watch this video. What authors Nancy and Danneh have to say is so true....something every teenage girl in America NEEDS to hear.

 

 

Emily



Here We Are...

Dear World,

Hi there! I’m sorry it’s been such an incredibly long time since you’ve heard from anyone here on V.O.T.I. Olivia and I are both still alive…just extremely busy. This summer has been rather crazy for both of us, and blogging has not been part of our schedules.

But here we are now…summer is over and fall schedules are in full swing. For many of us, that means SCHOOL! Yep, like it or not, it’s here. And as terrible as it may seem, it is indeed a necessary evil. You may not think you’ll ever need to know what an infinitive phrase is, or why in the world you need to learn algebra (and I’m with ya! :P), but as Christian students, we need to be giving each and every subject our all. History, Math (whatever kind you’re taking), English, Science, whatever it is you’re taking, give it your 100%! Why? Remember, we’re supposed to be doing ALL to the glory of God, and yes, that includes your school. That means not slacking. That means studying even when you don’t feel like it. That means paying attention in class. That means striving to do the best you can. Not so you can get a better grade than someone else. Not so you can feel good about yourself. Not so your parents will be proud (although that is always a nice thing!). But because you want to glorify God in all that you do. Bringing glory to God doesn’t mean going out and accomplishing some incredible feat, it means giving your all at whatever He has called you to do.

Always remember, peoples, you are where you are for a reason. God is not a God of chance. He has a purpose for your life. It’s your job to find it, live it and give God the praise for it. Go out and give that algebra test your all. God out and be a shining light amongst your fellow student. Go out and do something for the glory of your Father!

Love,

Emily

P.S-Also! Always remember the fabulous opportunity God has blessed us with to witness His truth to others! Live a life that points others to the Lord. Live in such a way that others see something different. Live a life that showcases Jesus Christ and his divine Truth!

“And I pray that they wills see, more of You and less of me! Lord I want my life to be a song You sing!”-Casting Crowns “Until the Whole World Hears”

Are Ya Comfy?

“If you're not in your comfort zone, then you're probably growing. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”—Caleb Grimm.

So where are you? You resting easy, or are you challenging yourself on a daily basis to rise above your level of comfort?  Maybe you want to start growing, but you’re not sure where to start.  Maybe you think you’re where you need to be and have no desire to leave your lil’ zone.  For both situations, I encourage you to PRAY! Take your thoughts to Jesus and ask Him to direct your thinking!  Ask Him where you can be growing, how you can grow and opportunities to grow.

Maybe you’re not comfortable working with kids….challenge yourself! Go and help out in a Sunday School class. VOlunteer in your church nursery. You may think you’re helping them out, but you’ll see growth in your own life. You’ll learn long suffering!

Maybe you don’t feel comfortable sharing your faith….challenge yourself! Start small by leaving tracts at dr. offices or resturaunts, and then start handing them out (if this freaks you out, just grab a friend! way easier to do scary things when yuu got a good buddy with ya!).

Maybe your unsure why you believe what you do. Maybe you’re scared you don’t know how to explain your beliefs….challenge yourself! Take a Christian Apologetics class! Get your hands on some good books (and your Bible, of course) and begin some soul searching.

Maybe you feel uncomfortable around senior citizens….challenge yourself! Find a nursing home in your area and volunteer. You don’t have to do anything major-just show up and spend some time with someone. Read aloud to them. Play a board game. Talk to them. Listen. It may be fairly scary at first, but keep in mind, they were once you. You will one day be them. Treat them as you hope someone will treat you when you come to this season in your life.

So go on! Get out of that comfort zone! Begin living a life that is constantly growing. Allow God to use you, and He will have you accomplishing great things!

"Can't Get Over You" Anthem Lights

        

Anthem Lights are on my "new favorites" list, and a LONG time ago, I posted Anthem Lights' song "Outta my Mind" you may recall. They are amazing!! This is their hit song "Can't Get Over You," and I thought that I liked it when I heard it on the radio, but now I LOVE it!!! =) God has gifted this group with not only great voices to bless other people, but also the ability to write amazing lyrics.
  God Bless them!!

~Olivia~

  
                                              

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!! =)

 Happy Mothers Day to all those mothers out there!! Just a reminder to say happy mothers day to not only your mother, but any mothers that you come in contact with. The job that they do every day is something that only they can do. Let them know that they're special, and that they're thought of, and that you appreciate everything that they do for us on a daily basis. 

  

  ~ Mom, thank you for your relentless dedication to making sure that we get to where we need to be, that we have everything we need for school, and clothes; for driving us a half hour away almost every day for soccer, and basketball practice; for making us food everyday, for being my teacher, for being a mentor, and friend; for being inspiration, for all the shopping trips to make sure that we have what we need, and for everything else that you do on a daily basis that we can't. But most important, thank you for being a light, and imitator of Christ. Thank you for always pointing me in the right direction - towards Jesus Christ. Your example as a follower of Christ, a Godly wife, and a loving, caring mother is priceless, and I will cherish you always!! ~

Thank you!! Happy Mothers Day!!

~Olivia~

Ps. 37:1

Prayer...

Hey everyone,
  I was wondering if you could bless me by praying for me. On Saturday I go to take my SATs, and as you may know, it is a long, draining process that I'm not looking forward to. I'm trusting GOd, and I know that I'll probably do well, but its just the thought of having to be timed, being in a classroom with other students, and never having done that before that makes me nervous. Not to mention, as my dad said "No pressure or anything, Liv, but if you do well on your SATs, you will most likely get some scholarships that you will need for college." And yes, I need scholarships.
  So this is a big deal to me, and my family, so if you could pray for that, it would be very much appriciated!! Thanks guys!! =)

~Olivia~
Ps. 37:4

Praying for Opportunities!!...

WOW, its been awhile since I last posted anything. =( Sorry about that. 

   Ok, I just wanted to update you a bit of what my family and I will be up to the next month or so. My younger brothers, Collin (11), and Cian (9) play on on a Little League baseball team, and my dad is head coach for the next four years. Because of this, I am going to be keeping book, which I am rejoicing about because I love baseball, and working with the boys!! 

   This season my family is looking, and praying for opportunities to share Christ with the boys on the team, and their families. Please pray that we come across opportunities, and when they come that we would be bold enough to speak out for Christ. There are so many hurting families that need to hear the gospel, and need hope. And we as Christians have the hope, and peace that passes all understanding.

   So that is our mission throughout this baseball season. Again, please pray for my family as we interact with many families - that we would share the gospel with them, and impact them for Christ.

~Olivia~ 

"And He said unto them, 'Go therefore into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed, and been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned...'"  

Mark 16:15,16

I LUV Britt Nicole!! =)

Hey eveyone,
  Hope y'all had a good Easter!! Sorry I didn't get around to posting Happy Easter sooner.
  I love Britt Nicole and I am SUPER excited that her new album is out!! =) This is one of my favorites on the new album, and since y'all liked "All This Time" I thought that I would post this one for you!! BTW, there is a playlist on youtube if you want to listen to the whole CD!!
  This song says it all, and I can't really add to anything...not that I would want to. But if you have any thoughts about it, let me know...
  Have a good rest of the week!! =)

~Olivia~
Ps.37:4

Beautiful Katie!! =)

Hey everyone, 

  Friends are a huge part of our lives, and we need friends. God has given me the most amazing friend, Katie, and she means the world to me!! I don't know what I did without her before I met her, because she is everything that anyone could hope for in a friend!! 

  Yesterday, life took its tole on me, and I let it push me down to the ground. But that was before I got a phone call from Katie!! She stretched out her hand, and helped me up off the ground. She encouraged me in so many ways, and helped me put my focus back to where it needed to be!! Thanks Katie!! =) 

  Katie this is for you!! 

Kindness - you are a perfect picture of kindness even when I don't deserve it!!

Able - you are able to do anything that you put your mind to. DON"T EVER let anyone tell you can't!! =) 

Teacher - the things that you've taught me over the past few years are precious, and priceless. Thank you!!

Inspiration - you inspire me to be a better daughter, sister, and follower of Christ!!

Excellent - you're excellent at everything you do!! =) 

Katie, I love you dearly, and God is going to do great things through, and in you!! =) Never let anyone tell you that you're nothing, because God says you're golden in His eyes!! 

Love,

  ~Olivia~

Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 12:1,2

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 12:1,2 - "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

So these are just a few of the verses that I've been reading in my quiet time. These verses particular have really stuck out to me, and stuck with me the past few days. I thought that I would share them with you, and I hope that they bless, and challenge you as much as they did me!! =)

~Olivia~

Tell me what you think...!!

Hey all, 

   So, I've been wondering....I have seen a ton of hits on the "He Said" post, but I don't know what you guys think of it. What does this song mean to you? What has God taught you through this song? And what are you doing in your own life that says, "I know God isn't going to give me more then I can take, and He'll NEVER let me go. So I'm gonna trust Him"? I want to know how God has been blessing you through this song!! Talk to me!! =)

~Olivia~

Opportunity

Hey there, Everyone!

Hope y'all are enjoying your day of worship and rest! :) Also hope that your day has been just as pretty as mine has! See, spring is in full swing here....and the weather is absolutely beautiful! So yeah, hope that y'all are having nice weather as well!

I wanted to share with y'all a fabulous opportunity! The Teenage LifeClub is sending out pro-life letters through the month of March. These letters are going to the Supreme Court and the White House. They are hoping for 1 million letters, and they need your help to make it possible! Please check out there blog for more details: http://www.theteenagelifeclub.blogspot.com/ .

Thank you! Have a wonderful day!

Emily

"Treasures" by Martha Snell Nicholson

  Love this poem, and its so true. It's a good reminder that I think we too often need. WAY too often I find myself in this place. But God, through His Word (and music), brings me back to Him, and says, "Hey I'm all you need. Delight in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. You can't find your desires, happiness, or peace anywhere else. I am ALL you need." And lately I've been finding that our in incredible ways!! 

One by one He took them from me,

All the things I valued most, 

until I was empty-handed;

Every glittering toy was lost. 

And I walked earths highways, grieving,

In my rags and poverty. 

Till I heard His voice inviting,

"Lift your empty hands to Me!" 

So I held my hand toward heaven, 

And He filled them up with a store

Of his own transcendent riches,

Till they could contain no more. 

And at last I comprehended

With my stupid mind and dull,

That God COULD not pour His riches

Into hands already full! 

~Olivia~ 
Ps. 37:4 
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." 

He Said (Feat. Chris August) - Group 1 Crew

  

    I love music, and often if I'm struggling to make a decision, or I'm in the middle of a trial, or just down about life, the Lord always speaks to me in the biggest ways through music...and yes, through His Word as well.

    I have been struggling with a decision about my summer. Last summer I went to work away from home for a good Christian family, and things didn't go well for me. I made some bad decisions, and my bosses wife and I didn't get along all that well. I wasn't expecting the family to ask me back, and I really didn't want to go back at all. But in January, the family asked me back. And they asked me back. AND they asked me back again. I felt really bad, and I kind of felt that I owed to to them for the trouble that I caused them last year. Plus I wanted to prove to myself that I could be on my own, and make wise decisions. My parents let me make the decision, but ultimately had the final say if he didn't feel at peace about it. So with a lot of prayer, consideration, and talks with my mom, and dad, I decided that I am going to go back. 

   Two of the songs that really spoke to me were "You Lead" by Jamie Grace, and this song, "He Said" by Gruop1Crew. It felt like God was standing right in front of me, and saying it to my face. I know now that last summer wasn't a mistake, and that God had me there for a reason. I still feel terrible about it, and a big part of me wishes that I hadn't gone because it would have saved me, especially me parents, a lot of pain. And still don't know if going back is what I want to do, and I am scared to death of going back. But if He doesn't want me there, then He'll pull me out of it, and if I go then it is His will. I'll take what I learned from last summer, apply it, and serve the people that I work for all for the glory of God.

    If you're listening to this song right now, and you're in the middle of a trouble or trial, I hope that you find hope in this song, and that God speaks to you. I know what it feels like to be confused, and alone, and in pain because of a past mistake. But remember what He said: "I won't give you more then you can take. And I might let you bend, but I won't let you break. I'll never ever let you go." 

~Olivia~

Update on Prayer Requests

  Ok, I have noticed that we have been getting a good number of hits on my "Prayer Request" post that I had posted quite a while ago. I am sorry that I completely forgot to update all of you on those two requests. In fact, I finally clicked the post because we were getting hits on it, and I forgot what is it was that we asked prayer for. 

  My friend, Elora, recovered quickly, and she was able to play the last few games of basketball this season. Thank you for your prayers for Elora...I know she appreciated it!! My other friend, Melissa, also recovered quickly to everyone's surprise. She missed some games, but again, she was able to play the last few games of the season. 

  Thanks again for your prayer everyone!! =)

~Olivia~

Trust in the Lord!!

 I was on Facebook, and my cousin posted a photo, and this is what is said:

   F - alse

         E - vidence 

          A - ppearing 

R - eal 

  Ps. 34:4 - "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, 

                  And delivered be from my fears.

I love this!! <3 

~Olivia~

Food for Thought...

I found this quote and I really like it. What do you think?

“It is better to be hated for what you are then to be loved for what you are not.”

   
You know, sometimes we try to change the way we look, the we talk, the way we walk, what we wear, and everything about us, and the way that God made us to try to fit in with others...to be part of the "cool" crowd. We think that because we are the way we are, people won't like us, and we have to try to be someone, or something else so that they will. Well, I have news for us: If the people that we call friends don't like us the way that God made us, and intended us to be; and if we have to change our image to fit in with the "cool" crowd, because they "like" us better that way, and it's easier, then it isn't worth changing for.

Hope this makes you think a bit!!

~Olivia~